My First Challenge Entry

Ok, here it is folks, my entry for the Everything But The Kitchen Sink Challenge! This was a sketch challenge. EBTKS provided the sketch to base your card on. Here's the sketch:

And here's my card:

It's not my most favorite card ever. I was going for a more Victorian love note sort of look. Any thoughts on how I could give it a more Victorian feel? Please keep in mind, I am a crafter on a budget. Haha!

Here are the materials I used for my card:

Creme Colored Cardstock (8" x 5.5" to create a 4" x 5.5" card when folded)

"Faded Text Background Stamp" by Stampabilities

"Love" Stamp by Stampin' Up

Brown Ink

Red Ribbon 5/16" wide

Silk Rose Petals

Oval Paper Punch

Jeweled Brad

Lighter

Glue Pen

Sponge

Dimensionals

Awl

Directions:

After folding the cardstock in half, I tore the bottom edge of what will be the front of the card. Next I took a lighter to burn the torn edge to give it an "antiqued" look. Then I stamped the background stamp. The ribbon was glued on next with the glue pen. While the glue was drying, I stamped the "Love" stamp on a scrap piece of cream cardstock and punched it out with the oval punch. I sponged the edges of the oval with brown ink. The completed oval was adhered to the card front with dimensional squares. Finally I added the flower. I used a silk flower like the ones you can find in bunches at most craft stores. I just took a single rose apart to use just a few layers of petals. I instered the brad through the center of the petals and used an awl to poke a hole through the ribbon and cardstock so I could easily insert the brad through the front of the card. I flatened the brad and *voila* a card was born.

While my methods may seem rudimentary to some, I am still a beginner and work with what I've got. I improvise when needed. I also try to keep a handle on my craft supply purchases because I already have an entire closet overflowing with yarn, beads, stamps, findings and other crafty materials. I really should try to use some of that up before I buy more. As it is, I already need another peg board to house all my craft tools. Haha!

Wish me luck and let me knoiw if you enter the contest too!

My First Challenge

In an effort to further hone my crafting skills, I am am going to do my first craft challenge. One of my newest crafts is card making. Thus far I have been making somewhat mediocre cards with my limited supplies and knowledge. That was until I started taking classes and got the BIG SHOT. For those of you unfamilar with the Big Shot, it is a die cutting machine perfect for all your card making and scrapbooking needs. Mine is also pink and black and super cute!

Now that I have the tools, it's time to work on the skills. I am going to start with the challenge from Everything But The Kitchen Sink. Every month, EBTKS does 2 challenges: a sketch challenge and a household item challenge. They give you the sketch or household item to inspire you and you get crafting.

My friend Alison and I are going to give it a go together for moral support. I know this doesn't seem very scary but if you saw some of the cards these women came up with, you'd be scared too! I'll post my card when done. Anyone is welcome to join the challenge so c'mon everyone - let's get card making! This means you too, Tiffany! Maybe you can add some of your photography to a card. Here's wishing all of us luck on the card challenge!!!